The High Desert Museum commemorates Evel Knievel more than anyone else in Twin Falls. It was here, 50 years ago in September, that he attempted his most famous jump over the Snake River Canyon. The museum, south of Bend, Oregon, commemorates many motorcycle daredevils, including women who pioneered the sport.
There were many women who worked as daredevils. Courtesy of Bill Colley.
The museum is set in a beautiful wooded setting, and if you get there when it opens at 10:00 a.m., you can spend much of the day browsing. The last time I was there, the license plates in the parking lot represented much of the United States.
The museum features exhibits on tribal cultures, the U.S. Forest Service, and animals native to the high desert. I initially thought the owls were animatronic, but the guide explained they were very much alive.
There are several tribal exhibits on site. Photo credit: Bill Colley.
Early forest management. Courtesy of Bill Colley.
I spent a week in Bend and found the museum to be one of the top two sites I visited. And I saw many wonderful things. I stayed in a cabin on a large pond and watched the waterfowl landing and taking off.
Bend itself is beautiful but tricky. It seems to have more roundabouts per capita than I’ve ever seen in any city. Still, I highly recommend the area if you’re planning a late summer getaway and haven’t decided yet.
It took me a whole day to get there. I took a detour. First to Baker City and then through one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever seen. I could probably live there, but the political culture is in turmoil and housing in Bend is expensive.
